He texted his mom, the night before our trip and we left the house at 5AM. We picked up my in-laws (MIL and AIL) in Laguna and off we went to the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas Batangas. My mother-in-law wanted to visit this last year but my husband already planned that we will visit Cavite churches and the last stop is Caleruega.
National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio
This year we started in the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, it was our first time there and traffic was so bad. We reached the place at 9:30AM, which was a long trip from Cavite. I’ve been seeing this shrine on social media because I have friends who always visit this shrine. If you do want to travel to Batangas, you can also visit Padre Pio Church in Libis, Quezon City.
The place was really crowded so it is really hard to take a good photo. Free parking at the shrine but the restroom has P10 fee. The place is not huge but the shrine can accommodate a big crowd. It is made of wood, bamboo, and stone. I’m not a Catholic so I asked my husband who is Padre Pio because I'm not familiar with this saint.
Read: National Shrine of Padre Pio 2017
Watch the video here.
Gabriela at Nurture Wellness Village (Now Farmer's Table Tagaytay)
We left at 11:30AM and off we went to Tagaytay, we braved the traffic while looking for restaurant where we could eat our lunch. Nagkakalokohan na kami na fasting na yata kami at late na di pa kami nakakakain. Most of the restaurants were full so I suggested “Gabriela” of Nurture Wellness Village na lang kami and voila, 2 tables lang ang occupied.
Read: Filipino Spa at Nurture Wellness Village
Glamping at Nurture Wellness Village
We ordered Tagaytay Bilao Group Meal good for 4 to 5 persons P1500. The bilao meal includes pandan rice, salted egg, pinakbet, potcherong batangas, tawilis, batangas atchara, assorted fresh fruit slices, and one pitcher of Nurture Ice Tea.
While waiting for our food, my husband and son were busy playing here.
We did not stay long, eat and run lang ang peg because we’re expecting heavy traffic again on our way to Caleruega.
Chapel on the Hill
We dropped by at Chapel on the Hill before going to Caleruega. You can see the view of Mt. Batulao here.
Caleruega
Expect a long line just to get inside but if you have seniors with you, there is an express lane for you.